DDOT’s rideDC Trip Planner App Named Semifinalist in Harvard’s 2017 Innovations in American Government Awards Competition

(Washington, DC)– The Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, recognized the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) for itsrideDC Trip Planner appand Transit IQ system – technology developed to support the app – as one of 100 programs named this year’sInnovations in American Government Awardssemifinalists. DDOT will now compete to be named a finalist and has the chance to be awarded the $100,000 grand prize in Cambridge this spring.

rideDC Trip Planneradvanced from a pool of more than 500 applications from all 50 states. It was selected as an example of novel, effective action that has had significant impact, and that can be replicated in other communities.

rideDC Trip Plannerprovides a trip planner; real-time rail and bus predictions; and a DC Metro map that shows transit options, including Metrorail, Metrobus, DC Circulator, Capital Bikeshare and car shares, near users’ locations. The app was piloted in Spring 2015; the current version launched in July 2016.

The Ash Center expects to announce 10 programs that will be named Finalists and will be invited to Cambridge to present to the Innovation Awards Program’s National Selection Committee in March. The grand prize winners will be named in June.

Please visit theGovernment Innovators Networkfor the full list of Semifinalists, and for more information regarding the Innovations in American Government Awards.

About the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation

The Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation advances excellence in governance and strengthens democratic institutions worldwide. Through its research, education, international programs, and government innovations awards, the Center fosters creative and effective government problem solving and serves as a catalyst for addressing many of the most pressing needs of the world’s citizens. For more information, visitwww.ash.harvard.edu.

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The mission of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is to enhance the quality of life for District residents and visitors by ensuring that people, goods, and information move efficiently and safely with minimal adverse impact on residents and the environment.

Founded in 1971 on the campus of Howard University in Washington, DC, the Conference Of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) was created to provide a forum for minority professionals in the transportation industry.